I like the camera for run n' gun personal use. It's about 30 percent smaller than my old PV-DV100 single-chip from 2001. Much lighter too, which means I bring it with me more often. (I don't like to miss a thing with my 2-year-old daughter!)

I recently used the GS120 to shoot B-roll footage of a concert. For a wide shot of the band, locked down on tripod in the back, it served it's purpose well. It has enough manual control to be tweaked, but the controls must be accessed through the menu (you have to open the LCD to access manual controls). While the band was soundchecking, I composed my shot (using auto focus), and then I flicked the AUTO/MANUAL switch to MANUAL and locked the focus. I then set white balance and exposure and everything was dandy. In AUTO mode, the camera tends to overexpose a bit and make the reds bloom in the LCD. I find using the viewfinder is the more reliable way to check the exposure.

For $499, this is probably the best consumer camcorder on the market. (3CCD color, full A/V in's and out's, MIC in, manual controls, respectable battery life, comfort, etc.)

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